# On Call Plus Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide: Opened Vial, Shelf Life & Proper Storage **By Dr Pramod kumar** · 2026-09-24 **On Call Plus Test Strips** are diagnostic consumables that contain reagents used by the On Call Plus blood glucose monitoring system. Correct storage, expiry management and handling are therefore important parts of reliable testing. Two different expiry concepts can apply to On Call Plus strips: **the unopened expiry date printed on the manufacturer packaging** and, for vial-packed strips, the **opened-vial usage period**. This guide explains how long On Call Plus strips can be used after opening, how to store vial and foil-packed strips, which conditions can damage strips, and when a strip or vial should be discarded. For the complete On Call Plus system guide, read: [**On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-glucometer-test-strips-complete-guide) . * * * ## On Call Plus Test Strip Expiry: Quick Answer For traditional **vial-packed On Call Plus Test Strips**, there are two dates to consider: - **Unopened expiry date:** the expiry printed on the strip packaging by the manufacturer. - **Opened-vial expiry:** approximately **3 months after the vial is first opened**. Whichever applicable limit is reached first should be respected. For **individually foil-packed strips**, keep each pouch sealed until you are ready to test and use the strip immediately after opening the pouch. * * * ## On Call Plus Expiry & Storage at a Glance Question On Call Plus Guidance Recommended strip storage Cool, dry place at approximately 15–30°C Direct sunlight Avoid Heat exposure Avoid Refrigeration Do not refrigerate Freezing Do not freeze Humid storage such as bathroom Avoid Vial cap Close immediately after removing a strip Opened vial Use within approximately 3 months after first opening Foil-packed strip Keep sealed until use; use immediately after opening Transfer strips to another container Do not transfer vial-packed strips * * * ## What Is the Expiry Date on On Call Plus Test Strips? Each applicable package of On Call Plus Test Strips carries manufacturer information including the strip code, lot information and an **unopened expiry date**. That printed date refers to the product while it remains stored according to the manufacturer's conditions. Do not use strips beyond the applicable manufacturer expiry date printed on the actual product supplied to you. Because Microsidd receives and replenishes different manufacturing batches over time, the expiry shown in an old website image, review, invoice or previous order should not be used to determine the expiry of a newly supplied batch. * * * ## How Long Are On Call Plus Strips Good After Opening? For traditional **vial-packed On Call Plus Test Strips**, the manufacturer instructions specify an opened usage period of approximately **3 months after the vial is first opened**. That means a vial should not automatically be used until the later printed unopened expiry date if it has already been open for more than the specified opened-vial period. ### Example Suppose a vial has a manufacturer expiry date several months in the future, but you first open it on **1 January**. Under the 3-month opened-vial rule, the opened-vial usage period would end approximately three months after that first opening rather than automatically continuing until the later unopened expiry printed on the container. Always follow the instructions supplied with the exact strip product in your hand. * * * ## Write the Opening Date on the Vial A simple way to avoid forgetting when a vial was first opened is to record the opening date on the vial label or another clearly associated record. This makes it easier to calculate the approximate 3-month opened-vial period. For example: **Opened: 10 September 2026** **Opened-vial discard date: approximately 10 December 2026** The manufacturer's printed expiry still also applies, so use the earlier applicable limit. * * * ## Printed Expiry vs Opened-Vial Expiry Expiry Type Meaning Printed manufacturer expiry Expiry applicable to the packaged product when stored correctly Opened-vial period Approximately 3 months from first opening for applicable vial-packed strips Do not treat these as competing dates. They work together. If either applicable expiry limit has been reached, the strips should no longer be used. * * * ## How Should On Call Plus Test Strips Be Stored? The manufacturer's On Call Plus instructions specify storage in a **cool, dry place at approximately 15–30°C**. Strips should be protected from: - excessive heat, - direct sunlight, - high humidity, - freezing temperatures, - refrigeration, and - chemical contamination. A normal dry indoor storage location is generally more appropriate than areas such as bathrooms, vehicle dashboards, kitchen areas near heat sources or places exposed to direct sunlight. * * * ## Can On Call Plus Strips Be Kept in the Refrigerator? **No.** The On Call Plus storage instructions state that the strips should **not be refrigerated or frozen**. Refrigeration can introduce temperature changes and condensation that are not part of the manufacturer's recommended strip-storage conditions. Store the strips within the specified room-temperature storage range instead. * * * ## Can On Call Plus Strips Be Frozen? No. On Call Plus Test Strips should not be frozen. If strips have been subjected to freezing or other extreme storage conditions, do not assume that returning them to room temperature restores their original performance. Where storage integrity is uncertain, follow the manufacturer instructions and consider replacing the affected strips. * * * ## Why Is Humidity Important? Glucose test strips contain chemical reagents that can be affected by unsuitable environmental conditions. This is why vial-packed strips should be kept in their protective original container with the cap tightly closed. The manufacturer specifically advises against storing or using strips in high-humidity areas such as a bathroom. Leaving the vial open unnecessarily can expose the remaining strips to ambient moisture. * * * ## Close the Vial Immediately After Removing a Strip For vial-packed On Call Plus strips: 1. Open the vial. 2. Remove one strip. 3. Immediately replace the cap tightly. 4. Use the removed strip without unnecessary delay. Do not leave the vial open while preparing the meter, washing hands or setting up the lancing device. The other strips remaining inside the vial should stay protected. * * * ## Should On Call Plus Strips Stay in Their Original Vial? **Yes.** The manufacturer instructions state that vial-packed strips should remain in their original protective vial with the cap tightly closed. Do not transfer the strips into: - another strip bottle, - a medicine container, - a plastic bag, - a pill organiser, or - another unapproved storage container. The original vial is part of the strip-storage system. * * * ## How Should Individually Foil-Packed On Call Plus Strips Be Stored? Individually foil-packed On Call Plus strips have a different packaging format. Each strip remains individually sealed until needed. Keep the foil pouch intact until you are ready to perform the test. When opening the pouch: - tear it carefully at the intended opening point, - avoid bending or damaging the strip, and - use the strip immediately after removal. Microsidd currently offers selected individually foil-packed Plus configurations: - [**On Call Plus Foil-Packed Test Strips 50**](/products/oncall-plus-50-glucometer-strips-foil-pack) - [**On Call Plus Foil-Packed Test Strips 100**](/products/oncall-plus-100-glucometer-strips-foil-pack) * * * ## Vial-Packed vs Foil-Packed On Call Plus Strips Feature Vial-Packed Individually Foil-Packed Packaging Multiple strips in protective vial Each strip individually sealed After opening Close vial immediately Use opened strip immediately Opened-container period Approximately 3 months for applicable vial product No shared opened vial Moisture protection Depends on keeping vial tightly capped Each unopened pouch remains individually sealed Compatibility Must be labelled for On Call Plus Must be labelled for On Call Plus Packaging format does not change the basic compatibility rule: **use only strips intended for the On Call Plus meter.** For compatibility details, read: [**On Call Plus Test Strip Compatibility Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-test-strips-compatibility-guide) * * * ## Can I Use On Call Plus Strips After the Printed Expiry Date? No. Do not use test strips beyond the applicable manufacturer expiry printed on the packaging. Expired strips should be replaced rather than used in an attempt to avoid wasting the remaining quantity. Using strips outside the manufacturer's specified expiry conditions can affect test reliability. * * * ## Can I Use a Vial More Than 3 Months After Opening? The On Call Plus instructions specify an approximately **3-month period after first opening** for applicable vial-packed test strips. A vial that has exceeded this opened period should be discarded according to the product instructions, even when strips physically remain inside. This is one reason customers should consider their expected usage before buying larger quantities. * * * ## What If I Forgot When the Vial Was Opened? If you do not know when the vial was first opened, you cannot reliably establish whether the manufacturer's opened-vial period has been exceeded. Do not invent an opening date merely to continue using the strips. Where the opened-vial history is uncertain, replacing the vial is the more cautious approach. * * * ## Can I Mix Strips from Two Vials? Do not mix test strips from different vials or transfer strips between containers. Different vials can have different: - lot numbers, - code information, - expiry dates, - opening dates, and - storage histories. Keep each strip supply with its original packaging and applicable code chip. For coding information: [**On Call Plus Code Chip & Coding Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-code-chip-coding-guide) * * * ## Does the Code Chip Have an Expiry Date? The code chip is used to program the On Call Plus meter with the calibration code associated with the applicable strip supply. The key concern is matching the correct chip to the correct strips rather than treating the chip as a substitute for strip expiry management. A correct code chip does not make expired, damaged or improperly stored strips suitable for use. * * * ## How Heat Can Affect On Call Plus Strips Avoid leaving strips in locations that can become excessively hot, including: - inside a parked vehicle, - on a vehicle dashboard, - beside a window receiving strong sunlight, - near cooking appliances, - near heaters, or - inside unventilated areas exposed to significant heat. Storage should remain within the conditions specified for the product. * * * ## Can I Carry On Call Plus Strips While Travelling? Yes, but the same storage principles continue to apply while travelling. Keep vial-packed strips in their original tightly closed vial and protect both vial and foil packs from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Do not leave strips for long periods inside a hot vehicle or in exposed luggage where temperatures may exceed the recommended storage range. * * * ## Can I Store On Call Plus Strips in a Bathroom? No. The manufacturer specifically advises against storing or using strips in humid areas such as bathrooms. Choose a dry indoor location away from steam, splashing water and major temperature changes. * * * ## Can I Keep the Strips Near Cleaning Chemicals? The On Call Plus instructions advise against storing the meter, strips or control solution near bleach or cleaners containing bleach. Keep diabetes-testing supplies in a clean, dry area separated from strong household chemicals. * * * ## How to Tell If an On Call Plus Strip Should Not Be Used Do not use a strip when: - the applicable expiry date has passed, - the opened-vial period has been exceeded, - the strip is bent or torn, - the strip appears contaminated, - the foil pouch is damaged before use, - the strip has already been used, - storage conditions are known to have been inappropriate, or - the strip is not compatible with On Call Plus. Test strips are single-use diagnostic consumables and should not be reused. * * * ## Can Poorly Stored Strips Cause an Error Code? Strip condition can contribute to testing problems. For example, the On Call Plus system can display **E-4** when a strip is used, contaminated or otherwise unsuitable, while **E-5** relates to insufficient sample. If strips have questionable storage history and repeated errors occur, check: - expiry, - opened-vial date, - storage conditions, - strip condition, - correct code chip, and - compatibility. For the complete guide: [**On Call Plus Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-error-codes-troubleshooting-guide) * * * ## What If My Results Suddenly Seem Different? Unexpected results can have multiple causes and should not automatically be attributed to strip expiry. Things to check include: - correct strip compatibility, - expiry and opened-vial date, - strip storage, - code-chip matching, - blood sample size, - hand washing and drying, - testing temperature, and - whether a control solution check is appropriate. If a result remains unexpectedly high or low after correct repeat testing, seek appropriate professional medical advice. * * * ## When Should I Perform a Control Solution Test? A control solution test helps check whether the meter and test strips are working together correctly. The On Call Plus instructions recommend control testing in circumstances such as starting a new box of strips and when there is concern that the meter, strips or testing procedure may not be working as expected. If strips have been exposed to questionable storage conditions, a control test may form part of the manufacturer's troubleshooting process. A control solution result is not a personal glucose result. * * * ## Choosing Between 50, 100 and 200 Strips Expiry and storage should be considered before buying a larger quantity. Pack Size Consideration 50 strips Standard quantity for many regular users 100 strips Useful for more frequent testing if quantity can be used appropriately 200 strips Higher-volume option; expiry and storage become especially important The lowest cost per strip is not necessarily the best value if strips cannot be used within the applicable expiry period. For a detailed quantity comparison: [**On Call Plus Test Strips 50 vs 200 Pack Guide →**](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-strips-50-vs-200) * * * ## Shop On Call Plus Test Strips - [**On Call Plus Test Strips 50 →**](/products/oncall-plus-glucometer-strips-50) - [**On Call Plus Test Strips 100 →**](/products/oncall-plus-glucometer-strips-100) - [**On Call Plus Test Strips 200 Hospital Pack →**](/products/oncall-plus-glucometer-strips-hospital-pack) - [**On Call Plus Foil-Packed Test Strips 50 →**](/products/oncall-plus-50-glucometer-strips-foil-pack) - [**On Call Plus Foil-Packed Test Strips 100 →**](/products/oncall-plus-100-glucometer-strips-foil-pack) View the entire range: [**On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips Collection →**](/collections/on-call-plus-glucometer-strips) * * * ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long are On Call Plus Test Strips good after opening? For applicable traditional vial-packed On Call Plus Test Strips, the manufacturer instructions specify an opened-vial usage period of approximately **3 months after first opening**. Also observe the printed manufacturer expiry date and use the earlier applicable limit. ### What temperature should On Call Plus strips be stored at? The On Call Plus instructions specify storage in a cool, dry place at approximately **15–30°C**, away from heat and direct sunlight. ### Can On Call Plus strips be refrigerated? No. The manufacturer instructions state that the strips should not be refrigerated. ### Can I freeze On Call Plus strips? No. On Call Plus Test Strips should not be frozen. ### Can I use strips after the printed expiry date? No. Do not use strips beyond the applicable manufacturer expiry printed on the product packaging. ### What if the vial has been open for more than three months but the printed expiry is still valid? The opened-vial limit also applies. For applicable vial-packed On Call Plus strips, the instructions state that the vial should be discarded approximately 3 months after first opening. ### Should I write the opening date on the vial? Yes. Recording the first-opening date is a practical way to track the approximately 3-month opened-vial period. ### Can I transfer On Call Plus strips into another bottle? No. Vial-packed strips should remain in their original protective vial with the cap tightly closed. ### How long can I leave the vial open? Only long enough to remove the required strip. Replace the cap immediately after taking a strip from the vial. ### How should foil-packed On Call Plus strips be handled? Keep each pouch sealed until you are ready to test. Open the pouch carefully, avoid damaging the strip and use the strip immediately after removal. ### Can I store On Call Plus strips in the bathroom? No. Bathrooms can be humid, and the manufacturer specifically advises against storing or using the strips in humid locations. ### Can heat damage glucose test strips? Storage outside the manufacturer's recommended conditions can affect test-strip integrity. Protect On Call Plus strips from excessive heat and direct sunlight. ### Can I use a strip that looks normal after being stored badly? Appearance alone cannot confirm that a diagnostic strip has remained within its specified storage conditions. If the storage history is known to be outside the manufacturer's instructions, do not assume the strip is suitable simply because it looks normal. * * * ## Related On Call Plus Guides - [On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips Complete Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-glucometer-test-strips-complete-guide) - [On Call Plus Test Strip Compatibility Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-test-strips-compatibility-guide) - [How to Use On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips](/blogs/knowledge-hub/how-to-use-on-call-plus-glucometer-test-strips) - [On Call Plus Code Chip & Coding Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-code-chip-coding-guide) - [On Call Plus Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-error-codes-troubleshooting-guide) - [On Call Plus Test Strips 50 vs 200 Pack Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-strips-50-vs-200) - [On Call Plus vs On Call Extra Glucometer Comparison](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-vs-on-call-extra-glucometer) - [On Call Plus, Extra & GK Dual Complete Guide](/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-glucometers-test-strips-complete-guide) * * * ## Shop On Call Plus at Microsidd Microsidd supplies compatible On Call Plus meters and test strips in multiple pack sizes for customers across India. [**Shop On Call Plus Glucometers & Test Strips →**](/collections/on-call-plus-glucometer-strips) For the complete On Call family: [**Shop On Call Plus, Extra & GK Dual →**](/collections/on-call-glucometer-test-strips) * * * **Medical information notice:** This article provides general product-storage, expiry and handling information for On Call Plus Test Strips. Always follow the instructions printed on the actual strip packaging and the user manual supplied with your specific On Call Plus system. Proper storage and unexpired strips are important parts of blood glucose monitoring, but they do not guarantee that every unexpected glucose result is caused by or unrelated to the strips. If a result is unexpectedly high or low, repeat testing according to the manufacturer's instructions where appropriate and seek professional medical advice when needed. Repeated extreme readings, severe symptoms, confusion, loss of consciousness or inability to self-treat require prompt medical assessment. Do not delay necessary medical care while investigating strip storage or meter operation. **Tags:** How to Use On Call Plus Glucometer & Test Strips: Step-by-Step Guide, On Call Plus customer service, On Call Plus Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide, On Call Plus Error Codes E0–E6 & Troubleshooting Guide, On Call Plus test strips, On Call Plus Test Strips Expiry & Storage Guide | Microsidd, On Call Plus warranty claim --- > Source: [Microsidd India](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/on-call-plus-test-strips-expiry-storage-guide)